{"id":2290,"date":"2012-03-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-03-30T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/2012\/03\/30\/strawberry-white-chocolate-cake-w-lemon-cream-cheese-icing-how-to-frost-and-decorate-a-cake-like-a-pro\/"},"modified":"2017-08-14T15:06:52","modified_gmt":"2017-08-14T19:06:52","slug":"strawberry-white-chocolate-cake-w-lemon-cream-cheese-icing-how-to-frost-and-decorate-a-cake-like-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/2012\/03\/30\/strawberry-white-chocolate-cake-w-lemon-cream-cheese-icing-how-to-frost-and-decorate-a-cake-like-a-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Strawberry + White chocolate cake w\/ lemon cream cheese icing (+ how to frost and decorate a cake like a pro)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wlWriterHeaderFooter\" style=\"float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px 4px 0px;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; width: 450px; height: 80px;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/widgets\/like.php?href=http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/2012\/03\/30\/strawberry-white-chocolate-cake-w-lemon-cream-cheese-icing-how-to-frost-and-decorate-a-cake-like-a-pro\/\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/dessert-at-tfh.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"dessert at tfh\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/dessert-at-tfh_thumb.png\" alt=\"dessert at tfh\" width=\"321\" height=\"258\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>So I am the last stop on the Bloggy Progressive Dinner and I hope that you saved some room for dessert.\u00a0 Although I think <a href=\"http:\/\/www.justlaine.com\/2012\/03\/cranberry-feta-chopped-salad-and-simple.html\" target=\"_blank\">Laine\u2019s homemade crescent rolls and Cranberry Feta Chopped Salad from yesterday<\/a> could end off my meal just fine \u2013 can\u2019t wait to make her rolls! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p>So today I am going to share a few things with you.\u00a0 First up our dessert, which is going to be a <strong><em>Strawberry and white chocolate layered cake frosted with a hint of lemon cream cheese icing<\/em><\/strong>. \ud83d\ude42<a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0199-001.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0199-001\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0199-001_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0199-001\" width=\"366\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>But not only that \u2013 but I am going to show you <strong><em>how to make a semi-homemade cake that tastes like you spend hours in the kitchen<\/em><\/strong> (but you didn\u2019t) <em><strong>AND show you how to DIY frost\/decorate a cake like a pro<\/strong>. <\/em> So hang on\u2026 lots of pictures ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you will need:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0101.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0101\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0101_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0101\" width=\"523\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Yes we are using a cake mix, BUT we are basically going to use it like it is our flour\/baking powder because remember this is semi-homemade. <em>Let me stop right here and say, <strong>NEVER use oil in a cake mix (brownie mix is ok) ALWAYS substitute butter or margarine \u2013 the difference you get in taste is night and day.<\/strong><\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Adding an extra egg, pudding, and butter makes this cake not taste like a boxed mix cake at all.<\/p>\n<p>Mix 4 eggs, 1 stick of butter, and 1 cup milk in mixer.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0104.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0104\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0104_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0104\" width=\"640\" height=\"473\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Add in cake mix and box of vanilla pudding. Beat until fluffy.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0107.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0107\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0107_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0107\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Melt 1 cup of white chocolate and set aside.\u00a0 Wash, de-stem, and mash your package of strawberries (about 1-1 1\/2 cups) \u2013 make sure to set aside 4-5 good looking strawberries for the top of the cake.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0109.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0109\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0109_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0109\" width=\"640\" height=\"324\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Take out 1\/3 of your batter and mix in melted white chocolate.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0112.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0112\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0112_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0112\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mix in your mashed strawberries with the other 2\/3 of batter.\u00a0 (You can add some red food coloring if you really wish it to be pink\/red in color.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0113.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0113\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0113_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0113\" width=\"640\" height=\"458\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Put it in three greased 8 or 9 inch cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes until lightly browned.\u00a0 Let cool for 10 minutes in pan then cool completely on metal rack.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0114.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0114\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0114_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0114\" width=\"640\" height=\"388\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now here\u2019s what you need for the cream cheese icing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0168.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0168\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0168_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0168\" width=\"518\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Somehow I forgot to take pictures here but basically whip your stick of softened butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.\u00a0 Add 1 tsp. of vanilla, 2 Tbsp. of milk, and zest and juice of 1 lemon.\u00a0 Then sift in powdered sugar.\u00a0 You will want your icing to be smooth and somewhat thin (easily spreadable)\u00a0 so add more milk as needed.<\/p>\n<p>Put the first strawberry cake on a platter or cake plate.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0169.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0169\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0169_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0169\" width=\"640\" height=\"442\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Place spoonful of icing on cake and smooth not quite to the edge<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0170.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0170\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0170_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0170\" width=\"609\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Oh, let me stop and tell you my favorite cake icing tool.\u00a0 (And I use this for frosting brownies, spreading cream cheese on bagels, whatever.)\u00a0 This is called an <strong><em>offset or angled spatula<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 As you can see it is angled so that your hand and the handle stays above\/away from what you are frosting.\u00a0 Wonderful kitchen tool!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0171.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0171\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0171_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0171\" width=\"640\" height=\"417\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ok, so the first layer is covered lightly in icing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0172.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0172\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0172_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0172\" width=\"640\" height=\"465\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Next add the white chocolate layer, more icing, then the last strawberry cake layer.\u00a0 (You will want the bottom of the last cake \u2013 the part that was touching the pan \u2013 to now be the top of your cake.\u00a0 That part of the cake is less \u201ccrummy\u201d and makes it easier to ice.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0173.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0173\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0173_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0173\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>At this point,since we are working with cream cheese icing, if your icing is really soft or your cakes are sliding at all, put cake in refrigerator to cool and set for about 20 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>If all is holding together fine \u2013 proceed to icing cake.<\/p>\n<p>I <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/christinascakecreations\" target=\"_blank\">decorate cakes as a small side business<\/a> so I am going to share some simple and easy steps you can frost and decorate cakes like a pro. <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile\" style=\"border-style: none;\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile5.png\" alt=\"Winking smile\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0196-001.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0196-001\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0196-001_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0196-001\" width=\"500\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Spoon a large pile of icing on the top of your cake.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0174.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0174\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0174_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0174\" width=\"640\" height=\"473\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>With your offset spatula, gently spread icing to the edge and let it sort of \u201cfall over\u201d the edge.\u00a0 As it is \u201cfalling off\u201d you are going to smooth it onto the side of your cake all the way to the bottom.\u00a0 Hard to describe or picture but you will get what I am saying when you try it, I promise. <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile\" style=\"border-style: none;\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/wlEmoticon-smile11.png\" alt=\"Smile\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0175.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0175\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0175_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0175\" width=\"635\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Keep spreading out that big pile of icing to the edge of the cake and then push it over edge and spread onto sides.\u00a0 (See your layers don\u2019t have to be perfect. Mine certainly aren\u2019t in this cake but once you get it frosted you will never know.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0176.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0176\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0176_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0176\" width=\"596\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I had my husband help take a picture of how I am using the spatula.\u00a0 See only the flat part is touch the cake and my hand is far away.\u00a0 If you were using a regular knife, you would be dragging your knuckles through the cake and it is just much harder.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0177.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0177\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0177_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0177\" width=\"565\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Continue until the whole cake is iced.\u00a0 See even I don\u2019t have a smooth cake at first!\u00a0\u00a0 But we are going to fix that.<\/p>\n<p>Since cream cheese icing is really soft and can get runny as it gets warm, this time you definitely need to put your cake in the refrigerator to set for 20-30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0179.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0179\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0179_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0179\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now the smoothing begins.\u00a0 Now when I am making a cake for just family dinner or a holiday, I don\u2019t strive to get 100% perfectly smooth.\u00a0 I just want it basically smooth.<\/p>\n<p>You will need a cup of water or milk.\u00a0 Using your angled spatula again, dip it in the liquid and then smooth the sides of the cake, turning the cake as you smooth.\u00a0 Keep dipping your spatula and then smoothing the cake.\u00a0 You can even smooth from the bottom up if you are wanting to get a nice crisp edge on your top edge.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0180.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0180\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0180_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0180\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>You should be able to get your icing fairly smooth with not too much effort (cream cheese icing is easier than most to get smooth.)\u00a0 Once you smooth the sides then smooth the top.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0181.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0181\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0181_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0181\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now I want to show you a <strong><em>cake decorating tip that I think EVERYONE should have \u2013 it is the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1M star tip.<\/span><\/em><\/strong> You can use this tip for so many things (I will share in a later post how to decorate cupcakes in a breeze with this tip) and it really does make the job SIMPLE and easy! <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile\" style=\"border-style: none;\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/wlEmoticon-smile11.png\" alt=\"Smile\" \/>\u00a0 And it only costs $1.49 (this was at Michael\u2019s but Hobby Lobby and maybe even Wal-mart should carry this tip.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/IMAG0479-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"IMAG0479 (1)\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/IMAG0479-1_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"IMAG0479 (1)\" width=\"319\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now this tip is of course meant to be used with a pastry icing bag which I usually use.\u00a0 But you can just as easily use a FREEZER ziploc bag with the corner cut off as your icing bag if you wish.\u00a0 Just make sure the tip fits snugly and won\u2019t come out.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0183.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0183\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0183_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0183\" width=\"640\" height=\"445\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Fill your ziploc bag or icing bag with frosting.<\/p>\n<p>This piped design is called a \u201cshell\u201d.\u00a0 It is a basic, easy decorative edge for a cake.\u00a0 You put your tip almost touching the base of the cake and with your bag sort of parallel to the cake (not coming straight on at the cake.)\u00a0 Squeeze hard at fast (squeezing out a good bit of icing) then taper off your pressure and amount squeezed out as you end and pull away.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0185.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0185\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0185_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0185\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">I would suggest practicing this technique on a plate or a piece of wax paper until you feel comfortable.\u00a0 Then just scrape your icing back into the bowl and you are ready to begin.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0186.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0186\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0186_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0186\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Continue piping \u201cshells\u201d around the bottom edge of the cake.\u00a0 (If you weren\u2019t going to use fresh fruit on the top, you could pipe the same design on the top edge of the cake as well.)<\/p>\n<p>Since it is a strawberry cake we are going to add some fresh strawberries to the top.\u00a0 Wash, stem, and slice 3-4 strawberries.\u00a0 You will only want to use the middle \u201cpretty\u201d slices and you can dispose of the others however you choose.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0188.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0188\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0188_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0188\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I laid my strawberry slices around the top of the cake.\u00a0 Then I used my ziploc icing bag and the same tip to make a \u201cstar\u201d or a fancy dot of icing.\u00a0 This time hold your icing bag completely vertical and the tip touching the cake.\u00a0 Squeeze hard to begin and as you squeeze pull up and slowly lighten your pressure to form a \u201cpoint\u201d.\u00a0 (Again, practice a few before you begin.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0189.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0189\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0189_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0189\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Add a whole strawberry to the middle and you are done!\u00a0 Your cake looks like you bought it at your local bakery, but will taste homemade!\u00a0 And <em>I promise<\/em>, it really is not hard at all and doesn\u2019t take long either.\u00a0 I would say from the time I started frosting until I completely finished piping and adding strawberries was not longer than 20-25 minutes (not including setting time in the fridge).\u00a0 So not counting baking, cooling, and setting time you could easily prepare this cake in less then 45 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0191.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0191\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0191_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0191\" width=\"631\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Yum\u2026 there is something about fresh strawberries, cream cheese and cake that is just heavenly!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0196.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0196\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0196_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0196\" width=\"585\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Oh, and you probably want to see inside.\u00a0 I wish I would have added some red coloring but it looks ok without it.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0201.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0201\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0201_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0201\" width=\"635\" height=\"480\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mmm\u2026 I didn\u2019t tell my husband what any of the flavors were and gave him 2 bites.\u00a0 He definitely said it had cream cheese icing with a little lemon and thought the middle layer was a custard (guess that is close to white chocolate) and then of course tasted the strawberries.\u00a0 It passed his taste test \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0202.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px; border: 0px;\" title=\"DSC_0202\" src=\"http:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/DSC_0202_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0202\" width=\"640\" height=\"476\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>So there you go!\u00a0 A perfect spring or summer dessert and some tips on how you can frost and decorate your next cake simply and beautifully!<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>I hope you enjoyed our <strong><em>Bloggy Progressive Dinner<\/em><\/strong>!\u00a0 If you missed any parts of this meal here are all the links:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.living-unbound.com\/2012\/03\/minty-peach-iced-tea.html\">Minty Peach Iced Tea<\/a> by Living Unbound<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livinglaughingandloving.com\/2012\/03\/cucumber-pizza-appetizer-some-fantastic-news.html\">Cucumber Pizzas<\/a> by Living, Laughing, and Loving<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/brownsugartoast.com\/ham-bam\/\">Apricot Glazed Ham<\/a> by Brown Sugar Toast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.justlaine.com\/2012\/03\/cranberry-feta-chopped-salad-and-simple.html\">Simple Crescent Rolls<\/a> + <a href=\"http:\/\/www.justlaine.com\/2012\/03\/cranberry-feta-chopped-salad-and-simple.html\">Cranberry Feta Chopped Salad<\/a> by It\u2019s Just Laine<\/li>\n<li>and of course dessert above!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hopefully you gained some new ideas or a new recipe to try this spring and maybe even for Easter dinner.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Have you ever tried to frost and simply decorate a cake?\u00a0 Did you find it easy or hard?<\/p>\n<p>{cj}<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes I link up to these wonderful parties:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/sarahndipities.blogspot.com\/\">Sarahndipities<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.skiptomylou.org\/\">Skip to my Lou<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/todayscreativeblog.net\/\">Today\u2019s Creative Blog<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/howtonestforless.com\/\">How to Nest for Less<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.homestoriesatoz.com\/\">Home Stories A to Z<\/a>,\u00a0Apron Thrift Girl,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com\/\">Tools are for women too<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.notjustahousewife.net\/\">Not just a Housewife<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com\/\">A bowl full of lemons<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.uncommondesignsonline.com\/\">Uncommon Designs Online<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/somedaycrafts.blogspot.com\/\">Someday Crafts<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/nominimalisthere.blogspot.com\/\">No Minimalist Here<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.somewhatsimple.com\/\">Somewhat Simple<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.the36thavenue.com\/\">36th Avenue<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sew-much-ado.com\/\">Sew Much Ado<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/thestylesisters.blogspot.com\/\">The Style Sisters<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thethriftyhome.com\/\">The Thrifty Home<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.domestically-speaking.com\/\">Domestically Speaking<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.houseofhepworths.com\/\">House of Hepworths<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theshabbycreekcottage.com\/\">The Shabby Creek Cottage<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.serenitynowblog.com\/\">Weekend Blogging party at Serenity Now<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/homehappyhome.blogspot.com\/\">Home Happy Home<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/tatertotsandjello.com\/\">Tatertots and Jello<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com\/\">Funky Junk Interiors<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thegirlcreative.com\/\">The Girl Creative<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/missmustardseed.com\/\">Miss Mustard Seed<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com\/\">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.remodelaholic.com\/\">Remodelaholic<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/theletteredcottage.net\/\">The Lettered Cottage<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thriftydecorchick.com\/\">Before and after party at Thrifty Decor Chick<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.younghouselove.com\/\">Pinterest Challenge at Young House Love<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So I am the last stop on the Bloggy Progressive Dinner and I hope that you saved some room for dessert.\u00a0 Although I think Laine\u2019s homemade crescent rolls and Cranberry Feta Chopped Salad from yesterday could end off my meal just fine \u2013 can\u2019t wait to make her rolls! \ud83d\ude42 So today I am going [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[72],"tags":[73],"class_list":{"0":"post-2290","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-recipes","7":"tag-recipes","8":"entry","9":"has-post-thumbnail"},"mv":{"thumbnail_id":null,"thumbnail_uri":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2290"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10542,"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2290\/revisions\/10542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefrugalhomemaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}